Abuja: The Connecting Communities and Heritages against Climate Change: Act for Action (CCHCC) project has reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots capacity building and empowerment in the fight against climate change. Dr Deborah Ayodele-Olajire, Project Lead in Nigeria, made this known in Abuja at a climate change knowledge exchange workshop and art exhibition.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event was organised by researchers from the University of Ibadan, Open University, and UK institutions. It brought together schoolchildren, lawmakers, and stakeholders, aiming to stimulate inclusive dialogue on collective climate action and the role of culture and heritage in shaping environmental responses. Ayodele-Olajire highlighted that the CCHCC project utilizes ‘artivism’, a fusion of art and activism, to facilitate dialogue between creators and audiences in promoting social change.
Ayodele-Olajire elaborated on the project’s core mission, which involves working with diverse partners to influence policy and practice in response to climate change, emphasizing the importance of whose voices are heard in shaping these strategies. The project employs multilingual, multidisciplinary, multigenerational, and multimodal participatory approaches to ensure inclusivity. It engages children and young people from Nigeria, Kenya, and Scotland, providing them opportunities to become climate ambassadors through creative expression and advocacy.
The initiative recognizes young people as key stakeholders, who must live with the consequences of today’s decisions, and whose perspectives often bring fresh, innovative approaches to the climate crisis. The project is a collaboration among the Open University, University of the Highlands and Islands, One World, and the YMCA African Alliance.
During the event, Mr Julius Pondi, Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, represented by Senior Legislative Aide Mr Etaba Okpa, emphasized the need to focus on rural communities in climate change efforts. He advocated for prioritizing grassroots actors engaged in tree planting and other environmental activities in national climate campaigns.
Dr Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, described climate change as a pressing challenge and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting youth-led environmental projects, green entrepreneurship, and climate innovation. Abiola-Awe, represented by Mrs Asmau Jubril, highlighted the importance of young people as essential partners in climate policy design and implementation.
Victor Gamalion, a senior secondary student at Command Day Secondary School, Lungi Barracks, presented a climate-themed artwork during the exhibition, depicting the contrasting impacts of climate change. The event’s highlight was the exhibition of artworks by pupils from primary and secondary schools across the FCT, reflecting the effects of climate change and proposed solutions.